If you wish to have a safe solo travel, there are some principles that you should keep in mind. Here are some of them:

Always Opt for Public:

Always Opt for Public

When you are on a solo travel abroad, you must keep in mind that public is always a lot better than private. Most people would tend to shy away from the crowd because they are uncomfortable with the people they are with. Always remember to stick with the group, regardless of how uncomfortable the situation can be. Always stay in public places and do not go to a private place with a new acquaintance. That is a far more dangerous thing to do than going out on a private place all by yourself.

Be Proactive:

Be Proactive

When it comes to being proactive or reactive, always opt for the former, most especially if you are traveling solo to a foreign place. When you are proactive, you make decisions with regards to where you sit, where you will eat, where to stay, where to drink, who to talk to or who to be friends with– depending on what you want and not because it is some reaction to a certain situation. DO not let emotions dictate your actions when you are abroad. In this way, you will be able to think more reasonable and act in a more proper way.

Talk to Other People:

Talk to Other People

When you are on a foreign place where you do not know anyone, it is great to connect to a bartender, waiter, security guard, tourist guide or the store owner so that they will be aware that you are just on your own. If you do so, you can instantly gain some sort of support system. They will try to protect you from any unwanted attention and they will try and watch out for you. When you are walking down a road where you are nit sure of your safety, stop and ask directions. Most people would warn you if you are heading to an unsafe area. Engage other people in your safety in the most subtle way you can.

Do not be Rushed in Making Decisions:

Do not be Rushed in Making Decisions

Most often than not, the ones who are easily ripped off or conned are those people who do not put too much thought on their decisions. That is why most con artists or crooks utilize a strategy wherein they will introduce new but inaccurate information to you and will pressure you to make a decision right away. Avoid doing this. Think your decision through before making it.

Be Rude if You Have To:

Be Rude if You Have To

Most of the time, we tend to be polite all the time. After all, this paves the way to a happier life. However, there are times that would call for us to be rude. Solo travelers are sometimes forced to do this so that they can protect themselves from harm.

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About Rome Beley

Rome Beley wrote this article. She is a travel ambassador and blogger from Deck Chair Cruising. They offer p&o to those looking for a sea based adventure. Despite her busy schedule, she never forgets to indulge in her wanderlust.

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One comment

Goos tips, esp about being rude is u have to be 🙂 I have about 15 years solo travel experience and have accumulated some other useful tips as below. But my top tip is really just keep your wits about u and u’ll be fine.

Enjoy ur travels

#1. Email yourself a scan of your passport in case your lose it.

#2. Also text yourself your passport number, expiry date & place of issue. It makes it SO much easier to check-in at a hotel than scrabbling around for ur passport.

#3. Make a simple list of currency conversions FROM local currency BACK TO your currency. Put it in your wallet for easy access (e.g. 100 Rials = 1.32 dollars **NOT** 1 dollar = 0.174 Rials, etc). Also stick another copy into back of your Lonely Planet for even easier access.

#5. Carry your valuables in a simple plastic bag or cotton bag. No one ever thinks anything in a plastic bag is valuable. Don’t carry a day backpack. Yes, they are comfy but they SHOUT “I am a tourist!”.

#6. Triple check every time your get on a bus/train that it is going to your destination. First ask the driver, then ask a fellow passenger, then ask another passenger.